Cultural appropriation is not simply 'borrowing from' or 'honouring' non-White cultures, given Europe's history of colonisation, imperialism, land theft, slavery and racial segregation. In so many places today, People of Colour (PoC) are prevented from, or shamed for practicing their traditions involving these very same objects and styles, and continue to have their bodies and territories exploited by the West. The double standard is clear, but as for White people, it remains a trend or fashion statement.People wearing cultural objects that are not part of their cultureWhite people wearing cultural objects are only able to do so because of a continuing history of global capitalism and the exportation of culture as a commodity. Culture cannot be sold! The production of 'exotic cultures’ to monetise disenfranchised PoC’s creativity and spirituality (Black music and vernacular, war bonnets, cultural dress) ties into the ongoing results of occupation, slavery and racism. This profiteering off of non-White cultures both stereotypes and dehumanises them while giving White people an opportunity to look trendy or funny (dream catchers, Buddha statues or Mexican dress-up costumes).

Cultural appropriation is not a respectful sharing of cultures. It is a reminder to People of Colour of the power imbalance between themselves and White people. It is the act of taking objects, practices, clothing that White culture deems 'pretty' or 'interesting', while simultaneously ignoring the lives, struggles and discrimination faced by these same communities. Cultural appropriation is a form of racism.

If you want to be truly 'counter-culture' or ‘alternative’, show your solidarity with People of Colour by questioning the context in which you use or adorn yourself with other cultures. Was there a level of cultural exchange, give and take, sharing and solidarity? Are you engaging with the community who value these items or practices on a person-to-person level? Were you invited into a space to participate in a cultural practice? Do you have or are you developing a strong relationship with marginalised cultures and also reflecting on how your practice or use of their cultural items is seen, as opposed to their practice? Did you pay money for this commodity or experience? Did the person selling it have an equal relationship to capital in comparison to you?

Respecting cultural boundaries *is* fighting the system! Being an anti-racist White person *is* counter-culture! Think of changing your habits not as a loss ("Damn, I have to cut off my dreadlocks") but as an opportunity for growth and personal development ("I used to be complicit in damaging behaviour but now I choose to do the right thing by not participating in cultural appropriation"). Don't expect personal thanks from People of Colour! Cutting off your dreads might feel like a big thing to you, but is just a baseline first step to making People of Colour feel safe around you.

It is painful for People of Colour to be reminded of the violence of White Supremacy. We want this to be a welcoming space for everyone. If this is a new concept, please attend the workshop and do some research before the conference. SOS is the perfect place to ask questions, discuss and learn about this as well as many other things and there will be ample opportunities to do so! Obviously insensitive cases of cultural appropriation (e.g. white dreadlocks, bindis) won't go ignored at SOS. You may not intend to be offensive, but nevertheless cultural appropriation is offensive. We are demanding that you think about how your decision is reinforcing racism, and giving you a heads up that you will probably be confronted about your appropriative dress/objects/style while you are here. Depending on the severity of your actions/defensive response, you may be asked to leave, in some contexts, at the discretion of People of Colour.